The name Sven Yrvind is an integral part of the single-handed sailing scene. In 1980, the Swede was the first solo sailor in his country to round Cape Horn - in an aluminium boat just 5.90 metres long. He later developed a mini sextant, no bigger than a thumbnail. The Royal Cruising Club honoured him with the prestigious Seamanship Medal, and the US Hall of Fame inducted him into its ranks of single-handed sailors.
Designed, built - and shared on YouTube
But the Swede doesn't just sail extraordinary microboats - he also builds them himself. He documents his work online, regularly reports on progress on YouTube. And at 87, he's not thinking of stopping: He is currently working on a new boat.
It measures 5.2 metres long and 1.4 metres wide and is made using a sandwich construction: 30 millimetres of Divinycell foam between layers of polyester and epoxy resin. The shape of the new building is similar to its predecessors, such as the Exlex. Bright yellow colour, capsule-like shape: Yrvind's construction is reminiscent of a submarine. The new construction is designed to carry three masts, with seven and a half square metres of sail. A double keel hangs under the hull.
More about Sven Yrvind:
A few more steps and then you're ready to go
It won't be long before the latest mini-cruiser is ready. The hull is still missing electrics and a few small details, says Yrvind. The rig isn't ready yet either. It remains to be seen when exactly it will be finished. The plan of what he intends to do with it is already in place.
Sven Yrvind first wants to test his boat off the Swedish Baltic coast. He then transports it to Ireland on a trailer. From there, he sails to Madeira - a tried and tested route for Atlantic crossings. The destination: Beaufort, South Carolina, on the US east coast. The distance from Madeira is over 3,100 nautical miles. A considerable distance for a 5.20 metre boat with an 87-year-old skipper on board.
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Fabian Boerger
Editor News & Panorama
